Why Does Na2SO4 Get Reduced in This Reaction?

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In this reaction, the oxidation number of S goes from +6 to -2, meaning it has been reduced. Therefore, b. Na2SO4 is the substance that gets reduced.
  • #1
physicsman2
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Homework Statement


20. Which substance gets reduced in the reaction below?
Na2SO4 + 4 C → Na2S + 4 CO
a.CO
b.Na2SO4
c.C
d.Na2S
e.this is not an oxidation-reduction reaction

Homework Equations


none


The Attempt at a Solution


i know how to find the oxidation numbers, but why is b the answer I don't understand why.
Can anyone explain why? Thanks.
 
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  • #2


physicsman2 said:

Homework Statement


20. Which substance gets reduced in the reaction below?
Na2SO4 + 4 C → Na2S + 4 CO
a.CO
b.Na2SO4
c.C
d.Na2S
e.this is not an oxidation-reduction reaction

Homework Equations


none


The Attempt at a Solution


i know how to find the oxidation numbers, but why is b the answer I don't understand why.
Can anyone explain why? Thanks.

A redox-reaction is when one substance is reduced and one is oxidized. Count all oxidation numbers and see how it changes.
 
  • #3


The substance that gets reduced in this reaction is Na2SO4. This is because the oxidation number of sulfur in Na2SO4 is +6, and in Na2S it is -2. This means that sulfur has gained electrons and has been reduced. The oxidation number of sodium remains +1 throughout the reaction, so it is not reduced. Carbon (C) is not involved in any oxidation-reduction reactions in this equation, so it is not the substance that gets reduced. Therefore, the correct answer is b.
 

Related to Why Does Na2SO4 Get Reduced in This Reaction?

What is the chemical equation for "Na2SO4 + 4 C → Na2S + 4 CO"?

The chemical equation for "Na2SO4 + 4 C → Na2S + 4 CO" is a balanced equation that represents the reaction between sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and carbon (C) to form sodium sulfide (Na2S) and carbon monoxide (CO).

What are the reactants and products in this chemical equation?

The reactants in this chemical equation are sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and carbon (C), while the products are sodium sulfide (Na2S) and carbon monoxide (CO).

What type of reaction is "Na2SO4 + 4 C → Na2S + 4 CO"?

This chemical equation represents a decomposition reaction, where a single compound (sodium sulfate) breaks down into two or more simpler substances (sodium sulfide and carbon monoxide).

What are the physical states of the substances involved in this reaction?

Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and sodium sulfide (Na2S) are both ionic compounds and will be in solid form, while carbon (C) and carbon monoxide (CO) are both nonmetals and will be in either solid, liquid, or gaseous form depending on the reaction conditions.

What are the potential uses of this reaction in real-world applications?

This reaction can be used in the production of sodium sulfide, which is commonly used in the leather industry for tanning and in the production of sulfuric acid. The carbon monoxide produced can also be utilized in the production of various chemicals and fuels.

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